House Tours

House tour: Craftsman-style home

If every house has a story, this one features a happy ending the homeowners wrote themselves. But it wasn't without a few plot twists and turns along the way. It was 12 years ago that Laurie and Randy Phillips noticed a quaint cottage home in Delta, B.C., a beachside community near Vancouver, was for sale. "The property was two streets over from us, and we'd often walk by just to admire it," says Laurie. Within 24 hours of spotting the house for sale, they owned it. The plan? To renovate the cottage and imbue it with an eclectic look of mixed styles (from rustic farmhouse to industrial chic to Mid-Century Modern) that would honour the outdoors. And finish it all before they moved in with their son. However, when Randy, an electrician-turned-firefighter, started the demolition, the news was bad - as in, catastrophic. The cottage lacked a proper foundation, and little else could be brought up to code. Suddenly, the couple was left with no choice: They had to build a new house from the ground up. "The situation pushed us to do something we weren't ready to do," says Laurie. "But we realized we could create the kind of historic-looking home we love but couldn't afford in Vancouver."

The couple tackled the job themselves: Randy, who has experience in framing and construction, did nearly all the building himself; Laurie, who works in cosmetics and skincare and has an affinity for design, oversaw the interior. But before Laurie could get to her bulging inspiration files, the couple had to decide on the bones of the house. They settled on a blueprint for a 2,500-square-foot Craftsman-style home with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. And Laurie's vision for the exterior was unwavering - she wanted grey coloured cedar shake shingles with white trim. Her plan also included a stone patio for entertaining and a grassy area with Adirondack chairs for lounging in the backyard, since Vancouver's mild climate means the family can enjoy the outdoors for nine months of the year. Finally, it was time for Laurie to dig into the decor. Inspired by her natural surroundings and the home's exterior, Laurie carried the neutral palette throughout the entire house to create a seamless flow between the indoors and out. "I wanted a look that wouldn't date," she says.

Photo Gallery

House tour: Craftsman-style home

Beachy appeal

The oval window at the front of the house was a must for Laurie because of its beachy appeal. “It’s something I associate with the ocean,” she says.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Craftsman-style home

A monochromatic palette

A slipcovered armchair anchors a gallery wall of black and white artwork, some by Laurie and some bought online. The monochromatic palette gives the display cohesion, while the various sizes and finishes of the framed artwork keep it from feeling too uniform.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Craftsman-style home

Eclectic home office

The home office, just off the front entrance, showcases Laurie’s eclectic design sensibility. The cool Mid-century modern-style office chair she found on Craigslist looks even more sleek when paired with a weathered wooden desk.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Craftsman-style home

Kitchen design

Honed granite kitchen countertops ground the classic white shaker-style cabinetry in the kitchen. Laurie chose barely-there white linen Roman window blinds for the windows to add a cozy layer to the space without distracting from the view of the beautiful backyard. An antique wooden workbench Laurie found at auction takes centre stage as a kitchen island in the mostly white kitchen. “Because the living space is all open concept, I wanted something leggy and not bulky,” she explains. Plus, it’s a conversation piece. “Everyone talks about it when they first visit.”

Living room windows

House tour: Craftsman-style home

Back door

Since homeowners Laurie and Randy Phillips designed and built this Craftsman-style house themselves the grey cedar shake shingles, crisp white trim and transom windows are synonymous with its look. The back door leads right into the kitchen, which is super convenient when the couple wants to barbecue meals.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Craftsman-style home

Outdoor patio

Shapely outdoor lounge chairs create an inviting seating area against a cedar hedge in the backyard. “As soon as the weather gets nice, we’re out here or on the front porch,” says Laurie.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Craftsman-style home

Garage path

Tumbled stone pavers, which Randy installed himself, lead from the front of the house to the shingled garage in the backyard.

Housekeeping

How to: Keep your mattress fresh

Find everything you need to know to maintain a functional, clean bed long term.

You’re diligent about washing your sheets, but do you clean what’s underneath them? In addition to the expected bodily fluids and dust, your mattress comes in contact with all types of microscopic filth, chief among them dust mite droppings. Dust mites live in upholstery and feed on skin cells (something you’re constantly unwittingly shedding), and beyond being plain gross, their droppings can cause allergic reactions. So it’s high time you add mattress cleaning, a seasonal chore, to your to-do list. Having removed the sheets, vacuum the surface using the upholstery and crevice attachments. Spot clean any stains using an enzyme-based upholstery or carpet spray, such as a pet-odour remover. Then liberally cover the mattress with baking soda; let sit for a full day. Finally, vacuum up all the powder and enjoy a truly freshly made bed.

Buyer’s guide: In the market for a new mattress? Check out our shopping tips:

Cost: Set a realistic budget (don’t cheap out on a good night’s sleep) and stick to it. This is a big-ticket item, so the store may be willing to bargain.

Quality: Pay attention to details (stitching, seams, etc.), which will reveal how durable and well made the mattress is.

Comfort: Always lie down to get a feel. If you’re debating between two models, opt for the firmer one – it will soften over time, and you can buy a plush mattress pad if need be.

Policies: Familiarize yourself with the return policy and warranty before purchasing.

The average lifespan of a mattress is about a decade. If yours is showing surface wear, sagging or becoming at all uncomfortable, it may be time to trade up.

Seasonal to-do: On rotation much like the groove that develops in your go-to spot on the sofa, over the years, different areas of your mattress get uneven wear. To help it last longer, make a habit of rotating the mattress once a season. Alternate between flipping it from head to toe one season and upside down the next. (If your mattress has a pillow top, then only flip it head to toe.)

Very airy: Air circulation is key to deterring bacterial growth, so give your mattress some breathing room: If possible, place it outdoors in the sun (the UV rays will add an antimicrobial kick) every few months. When you go out of town, leave it bare of sheets.

Do: Use a mattress cover. Launder it frequently, especially if you suffer from allergies.

Don't: Saturate your mattress with water or use any sort of dry-cleaning chemicals; both can cause irreparable damage.

Stock up on these tools to create the ultimate mattress-cleaning kit

1 ￼Deodorizer: Nature’s best odour absorber is baking soda, and this one is sourced without the use of chemicals. Bob’s Red Mill baking soda, Well.ca, $5.

House Tours

A trendy-meets-traditional family home designed for everyday life

When you’re a designer who specializes in hip eateries, it’s natural to be nervous about designing your first home, especially when it comes to the kitchen. “I definitely felt a lot of pressure because I’m known for my work in the restaurant business,” says Tanya Krpan, design director for the popular North American restaurant chain Earls Kitchen + Bar. Throw in a spouse, Jure, who happens to be a builder and a baby on the way and you’ve almost got the makings of a reality show. But this one has a happy ending: “I did most of the interior, and Jure handled the construction,” says Tanya. “We worked well together.”

That was four years ago. Now, Tanya and Jure have three children – Ivan, 3, Cruz, 2, and five-month-old Belle – to fill up the 3,500-square-foot home that was their first co-production. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom house in Richmond, B.C., represents the couple’s shared vision. “We wanted a clean aesthetic with classic elements,” says Tanya. Though this might sound like a contradiction in terms, the neutral walls and black casement windows provide a fresh counterpoint to the home’s traditional panelling and coffered ceilings.

Photo Gallery

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Save on accessories

Homeowner Tanya Krpan (pictured here) saved on accessories by loading the family room sectional with an assortment of ready-made toss cushions.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

A grand entryway

Tanya isn’t afraid to play with negative space, as seen in the home’s grand entryway. “Normally, you’d expect a mirror or big piece of art hanging above the wainscotting,” she says. Leaving the wall blank and layering small pieces on the console allows the millwork to shine.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Create a contrast

Black casement windows and decorative accents create contrast in the neutral space. Tanya scored the vintage coffee table when her office was being redecorated.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Creating a classic-cool mix

The family room’s classic-cool mix feels right for a young family.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Restaurant-style kitchen

The kitchen, of course, is the true star of the show. Tanya’s restaurant-design pedigree shines through in the room’s floor-to-ceiling tiles, mix of open and closed storage and high-end appliances. She opted for white Shaker-style cabinetry and warmed up the space with a walnut island and brass hardware statement lighting and fixtures.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Traditional and contemporary space

Another bistro-inspired touch was her choice of dark honed-limestone tiles for most of the main floor. “The tile grounds the space since there’s an abundance of white everywhere,” Tanya explains. “And it’s proven great for hiding dirt.”

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Designed for everyday life

Everything in the Krpans’ home is designed for everyday life and entertaining, from the large sectional in the family room to the round tables in the dining room and the kitchen’s eat-in area. “It’s more social to sit at a round table,” says Tanya. “You see everyone’s faces.”

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Gorgeous, white display

Cabinets with glass doors allow Tanya to display her favourite serving pieces and special glassware. She had the back of the kitchen cabinets tiled to highlight this focal point of the kitchen.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

A family affair

Tanya and Jure – with their sons, Ivan, 3, and Cruz, 2 – have recently welcomed a baby girl named Belle.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Brightening up the space

The living room’s crisp white, grey and black scheme gets an energy boost from fresh greenery, pops of pink and plenty of pattern – check out the Moroccan-style rug, the ikat-print and chevron-patterned toss cushions and the graphic stool fabric.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Feminine accessories on a budget

To offset the costs of the more expensive permanent elements, Tanya was meticulous with her decorating budget. She incorporated secondhand pieces, such as the family room coffee table, and sourced inexpensive art for the living room mantel. Affordable colourful accessories add youthful edginess to the living spaces. “I love the femininity that the splashes of pink add to the living room and family room,” she says. “Plus, by the time I got to the decorating, I was living with three boys!”

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Mixing styles

In the dining room, Tanya likes the juxtaposition of the modern Sputnik-inspired chandelier with the traditional coffered ceiling. The artwork was a DIY project Tanya and Jure painted together on her 30th birthday.

Image by: Style at Home
By: Beth Hitchcock
Source: Janis Nicolay

House tour: A stylish family-friendly home designed for everyday life

Planning ahead

Though this house has been well loved for years, there’s a sequel in the works: Tanya and Jure are in the process of building a new home. “We’ll keep some of the same elements but go a little more modern in the kitchen,” says Tanya. We’ll definitely stay tuned.

Buying Guides

Buying guide: Daybeds

Buying Guides

Buying guide: Daybeds

A daybed is a wonderfully versatile piece of furniture to have in your home. Both functional and aesthetically pleasing it can help shape your space, making it more inviting and comfortable. Available for a myriad of price points and made in a variety of styles, a daybed will be a welcome addition to any room of your home. The following five tips will help you choose the best daybed for your space or show you how to make better use of the one you have.

1 The all-purpose daybedOne of the best features of a daybed is its incredible versatility. Placed in a living room, it's the perfect lounging chair for entertaining or cozy evenings and will then make a comfortable sleeping option for overnight guests. It also works wonders in a guest room or lobby area. A daybed is also the ideal piece to accessorize: add a few decorative pillows and a throw by day, and a colourful duvet cover for a good night's sleep.

Photo courtesy of West Elm.

2 Easy storageNo matter how spacious your home is, sufficient
storage is always hard to find. A daybed can be the perfect piece of
furniture to give you some much needed extra space. Rattan
baskets like these ones will help keep any room tidy with plenty of room for linens, objects and knick-knacks. This kind of daybed is ideal for a
guest room and is wonderfully multi-functional.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.

3 Creating spacesOne of the challenges of alarge spacecanbe figuring out how to arrange your furniture. A daybed is an easy piece to place and can help solve that issue. Showcase your daybed in the center of your room to act as a divider and create a more intimate feel. A daybed that feels light and open is ideal for that purpose.

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel.

4 Small space perfectDaybeds also work wonders in
smaller spaces where you don't have the luxury to have too many pieces of
furniture. Place your daybed as the centerpiece of your room and work your other furniture around it. The daybed will act as relaxing seating for gatherings and easily transform into a comfortable
bed at nighttime. A daybed like this one is the perfect option as you can remove its top to create a double bed.
Photo courtesy of CB2.5 An outdoor havenWho said daybeds should only be used inside? A daybed works beautifully to create a cozy
outdoor space. It will bring all the comfort of your
bedroom and living room outside and make you want to spend more time outdoors. Beautified with a few
throw pillows, it's an ideal place to entertain.
Photo courtesey of Pottery Barn.